Bethesda Bungalows | Green Building

NIST Net Zero Update

brad@bethesdabungalows.com — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 16:00:00 PDT

One of the interesting facets of the the NIST Net Zero home will be the ability for the researchers to test the performance of three closed-loop geothermal piping configurations; vertical, standard horizontal trench, and horizontal slinky loop piping.

Yesterday, our well drilling subcontractor, Easterday Well and Pump, began excavation for the slinky loop section. These loops will be installed in the front yard of the home, seen on the Site Plan on the south side of the home. Click t [...]

NIST Net Zero Project Update 7-8-11

brad@bethesdabungalows.com — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 16:00:00 PDT

If you happen to be in the Gaithersburg area, you can drive by the NIST campus and actually see the Net Zero Energy home begin to take shape. From either Clopper Road or Rt. 124 (Montgomery Village Ave), the framing is clearly visible. This is pretty exciting, as I wasn't sure the general public was going to be able to see the home, but voila!

We've been making a big push to get the framing complete so that the roof and wall sheathing can get installed. A liquid applied air barrier [...]

Edgemoor Bungalow

brad@bethesdabungalows.com — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 16:00:00 PDT

In the posh enclave of Edgemoor, a humble bungalow might seem out of place. But, when it's a Bethesda Bungalows bungalow, and Skip Sroka provides the interior design, it fits right in. This is a custom project, built for a pair of empty nesters who are moving into town from Potomac. For years, they've longed to live within walking distance to downtown Bethesda, so now they are downsizing and simplifying their lifestyle. Now that's my kind of living!

Potomac Prairie Mod

brad@bethesdabungalows.com — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 16:00:00 PDT

On Karen Drive in Potomac, a custom "Prairie Mod" style home is underway, with completion slated for the end of the year. It features 3738 square feet above grade, and 5422 total heated square feet on a 17,850 sf lot.

Of the styles that we build, Prairie Mod (or Modern Prairie) is perhaps my favorite. The intersection of Modern style with Frank Lloyd Wright elements some [...]

Job Satisfaction

brad@bethesdabungalows.com — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 16:00:00 PDT

For me, one of the most satisfying parts of being involved in the building industry is seeing a finished home and then watching it mature. As each season goes by, the landscaping grows in, interiors & exteriors are personalized and the house turns into a home.

I had my first taste of home building back in the late '80s when I worked three summers as a mason's tender for Don and Frank Pilson, bricklayers from Mt. Airy, MD. We built chimneys and brick facades for Pulte devel [...]

Agent Extraordinaire - Marc Fleisher

brad@bethesdabungalows.com — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 01:11:18 PDT

Bethesda Bungalows would like to thank Marc Fleisher, Dan Hynes and their entire team for the outstanding service they provide as our real estate agent. Their experience, guidance and professionalism has been critical to our ongoing success, and we look forward to working with them in the future. Thanks everyone!

Washingtonian Green Awards 2011 Revisited

brad@bethesdabungalows.com — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 16:00:00 PDT

The Washingtonian Green Awards honor people who protect our environment by finding local food treasures, by sending kids into the wild, and by building and living in ways that benefit us all. Peter Guida and the rest of the team at Bethesda Bungalows are proud to be among the distinguished recipients of this award.

Click here to see a slideshow of the reception.

NIST Net Zero Project Update 6-16-2011

brad@bethesdabungalows.com — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 16:00:00 PDT

An update on the NIST Net Zero Energy Residential Test Facility (NZERTF). Last week, we completed all groundworks below the slab, including the installation of the XPS insulation and hydronic tubing. On Tuesday June 14th, the basement slab was poured, and backfill against the foundation was started.

Looking forward to next week, we expect to take delivery of the first floor framing package from Foremost Industies. The uniqueness of this project dictates that the entire framing pac [...]

5120 Fairglen Lane earns LEED Silver Cert

brad@bethesdabungalows.com — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 16:00:00 PDT

Bethesda Bungalows is proud to announce that 5120 Fairglen Lane, Chevy Chase MD has achieved LEED Silver certification.

Located on "Bungalow Row", this custom home's high performance features include an insulated slab, SIPs panels walls, a WaterFurnace ground-source heat pump system, and an ERV.

Many thanks go out to homeowners Susan and Peter Greif, whose passion for the green building movement made this project possible.

Serious Materials Changes Company Name to Serious Energy

brad@bethesdabungalows.com — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 16:00:00 PDT

Serious Materials is changing their name to Serious Energy, to better reflect their complete product offerings, which include advanced building products and energy software services.

I've long been a fan of several of the other products, including QuietRock, which I've used in the soundproofing of several home theaters.

The NIST Net Zero home will be built using their SeriousWindows 725 Series with a custom glass package that includes the SeriousGlass 9 glazing. These will be [...]

2011 MNCBIA Custom Builder Awards

brad@bethesdabungalows.com — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 02:23:58 PDT

The Maryland National Capital Building Industry Association has presented Bethesda Bungalows two awards in their annual Custom Builder Awards contest.

A Gold Award was earned in the category Speculative Home of 3500 to 5000 Square Feet. Dubbed the "EverettGreen" home, this Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired project was designed by Rill Architects and earned LEED Silver certification. Photo below.

The Promise of "E-Cat" Energy Catalyzer

brad@bethesdabungalows.com — Tue, 31 May 2011 16:00:00 PDT

An Italian by the name of Andrea Rossi is claiming to have invented a device that would revolutionize world energy production. Through an unexplained process similar to cold fusion, his "E-Cat" Energy Catalyzer allegedly produces significantly more energy than it consumes, using just nickel powder, pressurized hydrogen and a "secret" ingredient. Copper is the only material by-product.

Several non-traditional media outlets have been reporting the story, and scient [...]

Follow Up - Delegation of Building Specialists from former Soviet Union

brad@bethesdabungalows.com — Fri, 20 May 2011 00:40:28 PDT

On Thursday, May 12th, Bethesda Bungalows hosted a delegation of green industry professionals from the nations of the former Soviet Union. The delegation, organized by the Department of Commerce through their "SABIT" program, is in the U.S. for a three month visit to study a wide variety of businesses involved in energy efficiency and sustainable practices. They will also study how the U.S. government, private industry, academia, and associations work to conserve resources.

[...]

Washingtonian Magazine Green Giant Awards

brad@bethesdabungalows.com — Tue, 17 May 2011 16:00:00 PDT

On Monday evening, May 17th, Washingtonian Magazine held their "Green Giant Awards" at the Poste Moderne Brassirie in downtown DC. Bethesda Bungalows' founder, Peter Guida, was one of five recepients of the annual awards, joining an elite group of influential green companies, organizations and individuals. This year's awards also included James Woolsey, Casey Trees, Robert Weland, and Amy Marasco Newton.

2011 EcoHome Magazine Awards Judging

brad@bethesdabungalows.com — Mon, 16 May 2011 06:02:17 PDT

Last Friday, I sat on the judging panel for the 2011 EcoHome Magazine Design Awards. What an inspirational day! The homes are judged on their balance of design, energy performance, sustainability, durability, and other factors. All I can say is we saw some great work, and I can't wait to share it with everyone. The awards will be issued in their Summer edition.

To get an idea of the quality of work, here's a link to last year's winners.

A few items that are worthy of [...]

Project Update 5-9-11

brad@bethesdabungalows.com — Mon, 09 May 2011 00:29:32 PDT

Just a quick update on a number of projects we have going on around town.

Above is our high performance gut rehab on Military Road NW DC. The customers just moved in last week and are ecstatic with the results. Kudos to Len Fitzgerald for doing an outstanding managing this [...]

Delegation of Building Specialists from former Soviet Union

brad@bethesdabungalows.com — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 01:28:44 PDT

On Thursday, May 12th, Bethesda Bungalows is honored to be hosting a delegation of 18 building industry professionals, visiting us from the states of the former Soviet Union.

The U.S. Department of Commerce SABIT Program is hosting the delegation, who are coming to the United States to learn about energy efficiency and renewables in construction and how the U.S. government, private industry, academia, and associations work to conserve resources.

EnergyStar v3 Training - NIST Net Zero

brad@bethesdabungalows.com — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 06:11:51 PDT

On Wednesday, April 13th, members of the NIST Net Zero project team participated in a three hour training session held to bring us up to speed on the new EnergyStar version 3 (revision 2) building standards. As EPA guidelines require, any new home completed after January 1st, 2012 will need to be certified under this latest version.

The new standard is significantly expands on [...]

Ecohome Magazine Series - Part 12

brad@bethesdabungalows.com — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:00:00 PDT

Trish Kelly and John Kellenberg never intended to build a house. A great location and a roof-destroying blizzard changed their minds, however, and now not only are they building, but they’re committed to constructing a sustainable, healthy house that’s on track to be LEED certified.

Click here to read the rest of the article.

NIST Net Zero Update 4-15-11

brad@bethesdabungalows.com — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:00:00 PDT

Happy Friday everyone, it's a beautiful spring morning here in the nation's capitol, and my taxes are done. The NIST Net Zero site is fully prepped and the basement has been dug to grade. The last load of stone for the stabilized construction entrance is in place, and assuming the rain isn't too heavy tomorrow, we should be ready to pour footers early next week. We've noticed that the soil drains and dries quite rapidly, a good sign.

Todd Cirner of Therrien Waddell has been worki [...]